At Tadweld, we’ve always believed that great businesses are built on strong leadership, a culture of continuous improvement, and a willingness to learn. That’s why our Managing Director, Chris Houston, recently took part in the Help to Grow: Management Course at Leeds University Business School, a programme designed to equip business leaders with the tools and insights to drive sustainable growth.
The course offers a blend of practical learning, one-to-one mentoring, and peer networking, helping business leaders reflect on their organisation’s challenges and opportunities while building new management capabilities. For Chris, it provided the perfect opportunity to step back from the day to day and look at Tadweld’s business through a fresh lens.
“I’m grateful to the Help to Grow Management Course and Leeds University Business School for this opportunity to showcase our journey at Tadweld,” says Chris. “Continuous investment in my own skills and knowledge can only serve to make me a better and more rounded leader for the business.”
Building a Culture of Growth
Culture has always been a big part of who we are at Tadweld. The course reinforced for Chris just how vital it is, not only in shaping how teams work together, but in driving the long-term success of the business.
Chris emphasises that culture change starts with leadership. For him, this means modelling the behaviours and attitudes that encourage collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
“The course reinforced that real growth isn’t just about systems or strategies, it’s about people,” Chris explains. “As leaders, we have to create the right conditions for our teams to thrive. That means leading by example, being open to new ideas, and recruiting not just for skills, but for mindset.”
The Value of Continuous Learning
At Tadweld, growth means more than business performance, it’s about developing people at every level. Chris’s involvement in the Help to Grow programme reflects our belief that investing in learning leads to stronger teams and better results for clients.
The course introduced new approaches to strategy, finance, and innovation, it also offered the chance to connect with other business leaders, share experiences, and gain valuable new perspectives.
“It was invaluable to be part of a peer group of leaders who all face different challenges,” Chris says. “We shared ideas openly and supported each other’s growth”.
Looking Ahead
The insights gained through the Help to Grow Management Course are already influencing how Tadweld approaches its people and long term goals. The business continues to invest in skills, innovation, and leadership development, ensuring that growth remains both sustainable and meaningful.
At its heart, Tadweld’s mission has always been about more than steel fabrication; it’s about engineering solutions, building relationships, and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Programmes like Help to Grow support that mission by empowering leaders like Chris to keep learning, adapting, and leading with purpose.
“The more I invest in developing myself, the better equipped I am to invest in my team, and that’s what drives real, lasting growth.” – Chris Houston.
At Tadweld, we’re proud to champion a culture that values learning, leadership, and collaboration.